Review: Marmot ZERO Penetrate Jacket It's lightweight and functional, and if you get into it, it's a unique piece

Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

8 years ago

When it comes to activities that want to increase distance or lighten your luggage, the question arises how far you can cut down on rainwear that prevents the rain or wind. Even if you want too much lightness, it will lose waterproofness and comfort, and keeping it worn can be stressful. However, if you want sufficient performance and functionality, you will be concerned about the weight. Good news for everyone who is in such a dilemma. we will introduce Marmot ZERO Penetrate Jacket, a rainwear brand that is designed to maintain its lightness while also providing functionality

table of contents

General features
Recommended points
Points that interest me
Item appearance (height: 174cm, worn as size S)
Main Specifications and ratings
Detailed review

General features

As before, the MemBrain® Strata™ is used as a waterproof and breathable material for the company's flagship lightweight rainwear model, the ZERO INTEGRITY series, which has been highly popular. In addition to the stress-free comfort, a hood that fits perfectly, and a careful seam ring, the front uses a waterproof zipper, while weighing 138g, making it top-class lightweight and portable. In terms of functionality, the design is original, with front pockets on the left and right that can be used as ventilation with excellent heat dissipation. This rainwear will become a reliable ally for high-load activities, mainly fast packing.

Recommended points

It feels good on the skin and feels comfortable for a 2.5 layer.
Light and supple, and stress-free cutting makes it easy to move around.
Its unique ventilation structure provides excellent ventilation.
Comes with a dedicated storage bag, making it easy to carry around.

Points that interest me

The ventilation is always open, so if strong rain and wind blow, water can enter.
Depending on the backpack, the waist harness interferes with the front pocket, making it difficult to use.

ZERO Penetrate Jacket

Marmot

24,840 yen

138g

Item appearance (height: 174cm, worn as size S)

Front

Back

Main Specifications and ratings

Specs
item	Marmot ZERO Penetrate Jacket
material	Material 12d MemBrain® Strata™ 2L (nylon/100%)
size	M, L, XL
Color variations	SCDS Scarlet/Deep Sky, DSKY Deep Sky, MNG Mango, DCHC Dark Charcoal
weight	Average weight: 138g
pocket	Front pocket x2
Food	Hood with built-in shock cord
water resistance	20,000mm
Breathability	20,000g (B1)
accessories	Storage staff bag
evaluation
Waterproof	★★☆☆☆
Breathability	★★★★☆
Comfort	★★★★☆
Mobility	★★★★☆
weight	★★★★☆
Functionality	★★★☆☆
Durability	★★☆☆☆
General	★★★☆☆

Detailed review

Original ventilation

There is a gap just behind the front pocket, which is a ventilation system that actively regulates body temperature while you are on the move.

I've been climbing recently so I tried using it for the first time in a while for a train run, but when the weather was nice, I felt very comfortable feeling of wind passing through the ventilation.

Also, after doing some detailed research, I found a small vent under my armpit. From the perspective of temperature regulation, it can be said that this is extremely excellent rainwear.

Its excellent ventilation performance is one of its advantages, but both the front and underarms have openings at all times, so when the rain and wind blows hard, air pockets form, allowing water to enter. Use in severe, rough rainy weather, caution is required. If you have the ability to accept that there is no need to take into account such heavy rain, you can achieve maximum comfort with a minimum of construction. It's a very interesting point in terms of its functionality while maintaining its lightness.

While it's convenient to use pockets with quirks, you need to be careful too.

Front pocket that remains empty

The two front pockets on the left and right are very convenient, making them easy to put in and take out, but as shown in the photo below, the hip belt harness on the backpack can interfere. You will need to think about how to make the most of this storage. A backpack with no hip belt, like those used by UL hikers, would look good.

Be careful of the contents falling out

The front pocket, like the ventilation, remains empty, so after taking it off, when I unconsciously placed it on the ground, the contents came out. And when you move violently, the contents will become a little violent. I've tried a lot of things, but rather than actively using the storage itself, you should use it in a casual way, such as storing only things you really want to use right away.

Personally, I wanted to have the included storage bag that would probably disappear with the shell, so I wanted a storage bag with a small zipper on the inside of the chest that would definitely not fall off. Or if the storage bag was structured to be integrated with the clothing, it would have been perfect.

It's surprisingly inconvenient to have a separate storage bag. It can't be helped because it doesn't have a zipper because it's light, but in times like these, you'll want reliable storage.

Waterproof and moisture permeability

I'm worried if I keep sing in the heavy rain

Made using the unique waterproof and breathable material "MemBrain® Strata™", it has a full seam ring finish and has a highly waterproof structure. The outer fabric uses 12d ultra-fine thread, but in addition to its high water resistance of 20,000mm, it also has a breathability of 20,000g, making it highly suitable for outerwear for mountain climbing, with a specs of 20,000g. Also, for a 2.5 layer, the lining is comfortable to wear and can be used comfortably.

Now let's try using it in person.

It was comfortable in the mountains in the rainy weather without any problems, but as the rain grew stronger, a water film gradually formed on the outer surface, and in a flash the water repellent disappeared. Perhaps because the breathability has decreased, when I looked at the lining, it got quite wet with sweat.

When it was hit hard, its water repellent became less and the water became a film.

It is certain that the hood is basically carefully made, such as the fit, but from the perspective of practical waterproofing such as ventilation left empty, there are some parts that are hard to say perfect even in rainy weather, so you need to be careful about this.

Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?

This is an original piece that includes the most powerful features while maintaining ultra-lightweight front pockets with open ventilation functions. In a sense, it's certainly possible to say that it's a gear that I like, but if the use matches, some concerns should be resolved. In that sense, it is a very recommended item for long trail hikers and ultra light hiking. If you make good use of the unique ventilation function, you will be able to get unprecedented comfort. For example, when rain in forests where the wind does not blow, there is no need to worry about ventilation entering, and these areas are generally humid and humid, so you can see how good its body temperature regulating function is.

On the other hand, there are aspects that are clearly not easily accepted by everyone, such as empty ventilation and front pockets, so it would be a good idea to think of them as one of the options for those who own a few rainwear, or as "expert" clothing for those who are looking for this type of functionality from the beginning. For those who "wanted this performance," there is no doubt that this will be a one-of-a-kind item. You're probably quite particular about wearing this and using it in a satisfying way.